John Douglas Cornell charged with murder of Roberta Dews after turning himself in

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. (WUSA9) -- Authorities say a man wanted for questioning in the murder of Roberta Dews turned himself in to officers, and is now charged with her murder.

John Douglas Cornell was wanted for grand larceny and for questioning about Dews murder in Stafford County. Authorities say at 7 a.m. Tuesday, Cornell called the emergency communications center from a parking lot on Routed 218/White Oak Road near the Stafford/King George line. Cornell told the dispatcher that he wanted to turn himself in.

Deputies arrived at the parking lot, and arrested him as he stood beside Dews' stolen Chevrolet van, according to authorities.

Following further investigation, authorities charged Cornell with first-degree murder in addition to grand larceny for stealing Dews' van.